New Campgrounds

(October 2nd 2010)

Upon learning of the new campgrounds up in Pine Valley we decided to take a picnic and go explore them. We were spending Conference weekend up in Enterprise and thought it would be a fun activity in between sessions. Let me tell you they are amazing! We were the only people there (until the very end) and it was so peaceful and relaxing. We let the kids explore and it was super cute to see Matai following the kids around. He is getting to the age where he can finally join in with some of the activities and he was so excited about that.

 After lunch we walked around the campground and did a bit of exploring. The new sites are just south of the Lake and it was fun to be able to see it from a different angle. Though as a Mom I would be a bit worried camping with that in the backyard.

As we were driving back to Enterprise we found some willow trees and decided it would be fun to make our own marshmallow sticks. That and I forgot to bring ours up. It was fun to see the boys out their working on their sticks or should I say Bryce working on the sticks. Either way they worked out great!

The next morning the kids woke up super early and headed straight outside! Who could blame them...it was a beautiful day! They rode bikes, scooters and Matai and Bug played forever in a big pile of rocks.

After all the fun it was time for some breakfast and nothing tastes better than Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. I received the recipe when we lived in Colorado and I have been addicted to them ever since. But somehow when cleaning up, the recipe must have been thrown out because I can't find it anywhere. I'm super bummed about it and have been searching for a recipe as good as that one to replace it! Anybody out there have one worth trying???



A better ending...

Have you ever had a day start out like this?

But thankfully ended up like this?

That was my day yesterday!!! Little ones left alone for just minutes means big trouble in my house. I was answering some email when my Nephew came to tell me about what happened. He's almost three so it was a sparse conversation, but he got his point across. Needless to say toys were thrown away and there was  a lot of scrubbing involved, but it's clean now.

Part of the reason I had my Nephew's with me was so that their beautiful Mommy could welcome this new little one into the world. My little Sis is one of the most amazing women in this world. Pregnancy, nor birth for that matter, even faze her. As soon as I was able I rushed to the hospital to meet the little guy and to try on a few new products I have coming. I haven't had this much access to a Newborn in awhile so it was fun to play dress up ;) So this is little Toa (meaning chief and subject to change) only a few hours old. Isn't he just precious!!! The best part is he will become my new little model here pretty soon. I can't wait!!

Talk about struggling!! I finally got myself together and then the Holidays/Boston hit...BAM!!! Now I'm back to losing, I swear, the same 15 lbs. again. So here are the stats...I started Weight Watchers again on December 27th and so far my grand total is 3.6 lbs. lost. So sad when I see it that way! Usually the week I start is that amount not the grand total for the month, but I have really struggled with the eating healthy part. With their new system I am completely lost. I mean, I understand the changes, it's the implementation part that's killing me. Oh why couldn't I have been born with one of those bodies that would let me eat whatever I want?!? My Brother-in-law is that way and let me tell you I envy him :)

So enough of that rant and moving on! Exercise has never been hard for me and I have stepped up my game! I'm thinking this is why my loss for the month wasn't as high. You know gaining muscle and all of that. I work out at Curves and I live for that place! I started in 2003 and have never looked back. Granted I have taken many leaves of absence over the years or just went 1-2 times a week during lazy times. But to really bite this weight loss in the bud I started again full force. So what does that mean...4-5 times a week. Plus they've implemented a Zumba/Curves workout that is just awesome!!! I have also started walking with a friend a couple of times a week. I can't really count it as exercise, but it is nice to get out and chat! And the big question...am I still running? That's a big fat no!! I'm hoping to start back soon though. One of the benefits with The Hubby's job is a membership to Gold's Gym. It expired at the end of December and I'm patiently waiting for them to renew it. I know I could run outside, but there is something about running on a treadmill in front of a giant movie screen that helps pass the time. About now you're probably wondering why I pay for Curves when I have a paid membership to Gold's...well, it's the workout. I can't beat it anywhere else and being finished in 30 minutes...bonus!!

Geez, when I write it all down I seem a little crazy!! But if you could see how I eat you would understand why I need to workout so much ;) I love me some chocolate oh and movie popcorn, YUMMY!

Okay so goals for next week....I haven't stayed within my points range since I started so that is goal #1. And goal #2 I am going to plan a daily menu. I really think that will help me stick to the plan and keep my away from all the munchies! Wish me luck!!!

Love it!!!

I just received some photos back from an amazing photographer (and new mommy) Jessica Alston. She purchased some products from me late last year for her new little one. As soon as I found out she was a photographer I, of course, sent some extra products along for pictures! Super cute don't ya think!!!

HOT!!

So way back in September Boo, Bug, and I hitched a ride with Mama and Papa J to visit my sister and her family in Arizona. They had recently moved there so that her husband could attend dental school. It was a fun little get away and at the time I thought where I lived was super hot! Holy cow Arizona was HOT!!! It was fun to hang out and visit a place I had never been. We drove all over so that I could get a lay of the land and I couldn't believe all the cool stores! And yes I did visit a couple yarn stores ;) I had just purchased my camera and so most of the weekend was spent taking pictures and fiddling with settings. I was in heaven!!

These cute little girls are the "thumb" sucking queens! Of course Isabel prefers two fingers instead of one, but you get the idea! As soon as I looked over and saw them, I coudn't help but snap the picture. Two peas in a pod!! Cole (my nephew) was my little shadow the whole visit. It was fun to spend some time with him, without my big kids there or it probably would have never happened! He is super smart and so helpful...all I have to say is my big Sis has her work cut out for her with that one ;)

Pretty much the entire weekend was spent jumping on the tramp. From the minute the kids were up till bedtime they were out there! It was perfect for me, since I was practicing with my camera. All I had to do was hang out in a lawn chair and snap away!

Sunday we were able to drive down and visit the Temple. It was so beautiful and a perfect way to spend the sabbath!!!

I couldn't believe all of the flowers and especially the fruit trees surrounding it. It was truly an amazing place!! All in all it was a great weekend full of fun and laughter! I can't wait til we can take the whole family for a visit!!

Mohawks

Well I dove head first into creating Mohawk beanies. My friend wanted one really bad so I indulged. When in Boston last month I found the cutest little yarn shop on Newbury street. They had the perfect yarn for this hat and I was super excited to get it. Well, now that I've created the hat I need to find a supplier so that I can make more. I can't be flying to Boston every time I want to make it. Though that would be super fine with me since I love a good vacation!! So until I find a great supplier this hat may be a one hit wonder ;)

Thanks Heather for the great pics!!